"I'm serious." She folds her hands. "But Axel? Be careful. Helping can turn into overstepping really fast, especially when someone's as independent as Sadie seems to be. If she feels cornered or like you're trying to control things?—"
"I won't," I interrupt. "I'm letting her lead. Whatever she needs, however she wants to handle this, it's her call."
"That's easy to say now," Adrienne warns. "Not so easy when you're watching someone you care about make choices you don't agree with."
My jaw tightens. I don’t like anyone telling me to hold back, especially not when it comes to Sadie. But Adrienne’s right. I’m wired to take control. Fix. Protect. It’s what I do, and it’s dangerous with a woman like Sadie. If I push, I’ll break her trust. Doesn’t mean I’m going to stand by and let her drown.
"I'll be careful," I promise. "I just want to give her breathing room. A few hours where she's not thinking about court dates or custody battles."
Adrienne nods, seemingly satisfied. "For what it's worth, I hope it works out. You seem… different about her."
My phone vibrates. I expect brewery bullshit, but then I see her name. My gut goes tight. Just that. One text from her, and I’m already half-hard, already planning how I’ll get my hands on her tonight.
Sadie: Sooo… about that date?
Something warm blooms in my chest. I can't help the idiotic grin spreading across my face as I read her message again.
"Let me guess," Adrienne says, watching my expression change. "Sadie?"
I nod, still staring at my phone like it might disappear if I look away.
"Go." She waves me toward the door. "And remember what I said."
"I will," I promise, already typing my response as I stand.
Me: Tell me what feels safe. I'll build it around you.
I slip my phone back into my pocket, that stupid grin still plastered across my face.
"Thanks, Adrienne. For everything."
She shakes her head, but she's smiling too. "Just be careful with her, Axel. And with yourself."
I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, checking my watch for the fifth time in as many minutes. It's ridiculous, this feeling in my chest, like I'm fifteen again, picking up a date for the school dance. I've planned every detail to make this as comfortable as possible for Sadie: early dinner at the ranch lookout, just the two of us. Simple, low pressure, safe.
When I pull up to the café, she's already waiting on the steps, and my breath catches. She’s in jeans that cling like a second skin to her hips, legs that make me want to lay her out right here and work every inch with my hands. That sweatshirt is soft, but the way it falls off her shoulder makes me want to bite that exposed skin. She looks young, effortless, addictive. My body reacts before my brain can catch up. Every part of me wants to touch her.
I hop out of the truck and walk around to meet her. "Hey," I say, unable to keep the smile from my face.
"Hey yourself," she replies, a shy smile playing at her lips.
"You have no idea how hard it is to not touch you right now," I say, voice low. "You walk out here in those jeans, looking like that, and you expect me to behave myself?"
A blush creeps across her cheeks. "It's just jeans and a sweatshirt."
"Still." I reach for her hand, giving her plenty of time to pull away. She doesn't.
I lead her to the passenger side, opening the door and helping her up into the seat. I lean in, taking her mouth with a slow, deliberate kiss. I keep it brief, but there’s nothing soft in the way I claim her lips. It’s a warning to myself—one taste, for now. The urge to shove her against the truck and take more burns through my veins, but I rein it in. Not here. Not yet. Her eyes flutter closed for a brief second, and when I pull back, her smile has deepened.
"What was that for?" she asks.
"Because I wanted to," I answer simply. "And because I've been thinking about doing it again since I left your apartment."
I close her door and circle around to the driver's side, giving us both a moment to breathe. When I slide behind the wheel, she's looking out the window, but I catch the reflection of her smile in the glass.
"So, where are we going?" she asks as I pull away from the curb.
"Thought I'd show you around the ranch," I say, keeping my voice casual. "There's this spot up on the ridge that overlooks the whole valley. Best view in Virginia Dale."
